Woman Claims Garlic Nose 'Hack' Can Help You Unclog Your Sinuses
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Doctors have advised against people shoving garlic cloves in their nostrils amid numerous videos promoting the unusual health hack on social media.
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The warning arrives after a TikTok user, who goes by the name Rozaline Katherine, went viral for trying the tip which is said to help clear sinuses.
In the clip, which has since racked up over 4.3 million views, the 29-year-old personal trainer inserts the garlic in her nostrils.
After waiting 10-15 minutes, she removes the cloves from her nose, leaving Katherine stunned as watery snot cascades down her face.
Speaking to the Mirror, the content creator from Arizona, US, said: "I didn't think it was actually going to work which is why I filmed it more as a joke...
"I didn't smell any garlic afterwards either - I think my sinuses were flushed out. I was totally surprised by the results."
The video has received thousands of comments - and while many were put off their dinner by the hack, there were plenty from people eager to try it themselves.
"Brb gotta try it bc I haven't been breathing well for two weeks now," wrote one user, while another said: "Keeping this video in my back pocket for later colds."
However, doctors have warned attempting the hack could have unpleasant consequences.
Neil Bhattacharyya, MD - an ear, nose, and throat doctor and surgeon at Mass Eye and Ear - said one of the potential dangers is irritation.
He told Shape: "If you do this enough, the body will start to react to the oils and chemicals in the garlic and cause contact dermatitis in the nose."
Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it.
Bhattacharyya continued: "Some garlic cloves are really strong, and if you get enough leaching of the chemicals and oils into your nose, it will definitely irritate it."
Besides skin conditions, there's always the risk that you won't be able to get the cloves out, as outlined by Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network.
She said: "I would not put full garlic cloves or pieces in your nose, as it can get stuck and exacerbate blockage and congestion."
Finally, for those who swear by the garlic trick for clearing their sinuses, Bhattacharyya says that it actually just provides a 'false sense' of relief.
He added: "Garlic has a strong smell and, when it starts to irritate the nose, you'll definitely have some mucus drainage.
"You may feel like, 'Wow, something is mobilizing' but in reality, you're just reacting to the compound."
So maybe don't go sticking garlic cloves up your nose if you're feeling a bit bunged up.
Featured Image Credit: Jam Press
Topics: Hack, Doctor, Social Media, TikTok
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